Marilyn Monroe’s Lasting Influence on Hollywood Stars Examined
According to a Variety feature, Marilyn Monroe continues to cast a long shadow across Hollywood, serving as a constant comparison for fast-rising female stars, particularly those who are young, talented and blonde. The article notes that nearly 65 years after her death at age 36, every stage of Monroe’s short life has been a source of fascination, kept alive through books, movies, plays, documentaries and artworks. The myth-making began before her death, with Kim Stanley playing a thinly veiled version in 1958’s “The Goddess” and Barbara Loden in 1964’s “After the Fall.” The piece lists numerous actresses and celebrities who have been influenced by or compared to Monroe, including Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, and Catherine Deneuve. Author Joyce Carol Oates emphasized in a 2022 interview that “Marilyn Monroe” was a persona adopted by Norma Jeane Baker as a shield. The article profiles several figures, from Kim Basinger to Sydney Sweeney, who have felt the impact of what it calls the “Monroe Doctrine” in Hollywood.
What’s reported
Marilyn Monroe died at age 36; nearly 65 years after her death, her life remains a source of fascination.
Kim Stanley played a thinly veiled version of Monroe in Paddy Chayefsky’s 1958 film “The Goddess.”
Barbara Loden won a Tony in 1964 for portraying a thinly veiled Monroe in the original Broadway production of “After the Fall.”
In 2022, Ana de Armas played Monroe in “Blonde,” directed by Andrew Dominik, based on Joyce Carol Oates’ biographical novel.
Joyce Carol Oates stated in 2022 that “Marilyn Monroe” is a performing self that exists only when there is an audience, while Norma Jeane Baker is the authentic self.
The article names multiple celebrities compared to Monroe: Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Pamela Anderson, Sienna Miller, Catherine Deneuve, Kim Basinger, Farrah Fawcett, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Jessica Lange, Madonna, Anna Nicole Smith, Sydney Sweeney, Sharon Tate, and Michelle Williams.
Kim Kardashian wore Monroe’s beaded dress from 1962 to the Met Gala in 2022.
Michelle Williams earned an Oscar nomination for playing Monroe in 2011’s “My Week With Marilyn.”
Anna Nicole Smith died in 2007 at age 39; Sharon Tate was murdered by the Manson family in 1969.
Key figures
Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Baker) – actress and pop culture figure
Kim Stanley – actress, played Monroe-like character in 1958
Barbara Loden – actress, portrayed Monroe in 1964 play
Ana de Armas – actress, played Monroe in 2022 film “Blonde”
Andrew Dominik – writer-director of “Blonde”
Joyce Carol Oates – author of biographical novel
Scarlett Johansson – actress, quoted about being offered Monroe scripts
Catherine Deneuve – actress, commented on Monroe’s skill
Kim Basinger – actress, compared to Monroe
Farrah Fawcett – actress, compared to Monroe
Kim Kardashian – media personality, wore Monroe’s dress
Lady Gaga – singer/actress, channeled Monroe
Jessica Lange – actress, called “the next Marilyn Monroe” early in career
Madonna – singer, invited Monroe comparisons
Anna Nicole Smith – model/actress, compared to Monroe
Sydney Sweeney – actress, compared to Monroe
Sharon Tate – actress, compared to Monroe
Michelle Williams – actress, played Monroe in 2011 film
Sources: Variety
